Paying claims against the estate is a basic duty of the executor or administrator. These claims include the debts of the decedent as well as expenses of administration. Texas law sets out rules and priorities for how the claims should be paid. (See Texas Estates Code chapter 355.) General rules for claims 1. Don’t pay any claim thatContinue reading “Paying claims against the estate”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
The Estate Executor’s Powers & Duties
The powers and duties are broad and deep, and begin as soon as Letters Testamentary have been issued. The executor is required to use prudence and ordinary diligence in administering the estate. This is a brief checklist of the executor’s powers and duties.
Real Estate sales documents
Generally, a real estate sale begins with a contract and ends with a deed. The deed fulfills the contract, and the contract is merged into the deed. A Real Estate Sales Contract 1. Is negotiated between the parties. A buyer and seller negotiate about the purchase and sale of a piece of property. They negotiate about what conditionsContinue reading “Real Estate sales documents”
Process for probating a Will
This is a brief outline of the process for probating the Will of a Decedent. The outline is not exhaustive, but it gives a general overview. 1. The Attorney files an Application Probate of Will Produced in Court and for Letters Testamentary with the probate court. The application must be accompanied by: Filing fee; Original Death Certificate; and Original Will. 2. WaitContinue reading “Process for probating a Will”
Does the Will take the place of the family tree?
Yes. The Will overrides the family tree. The default method to distribute an estate under Texas law is inheritance according to the family tree. When you write a will, you can choose to distribute your estate to anyone you wish. Whether through inheritance or by will, distributing an estate of any substance requires the approval of a probateContinue reading “Does the Will take the place of the family tree?”
Change happens
We end the year as we began—with a change. At the beginning of the year, I moved out of the Vaughn Building, my office home for over 20 years. Now, I am letting go of my office space on Ben White to join the growing movement to work from home. If only I had known,Continue reading “Change happens”
Managing time effectively
Managing time effectively is a key to getting more done, and getting it done better. Allocating our efforts among the many tasks demanding attention is difficult. Employing the time allotted is even more difficult. Allocating the time Allocating time requires scheduling. It goes beyond just figuring out what to do next. It means blocking out time for tasks overContinue reading “Managing time effectively”
Move the earth
Give me a place to stand, and I will move the earth.Archimedes I can’t write to you today without acknowledging the turmoil sweeping over our country. A virus is ravaging our population. Unemployment and financial hardship are depressing our society. Fear and fire are scarring our cities. The whole planet is clenched in a paroxysmContinue reading “Move the earth”
We moved the office!
After more than twenty years downtown, I’ve moved the office to South Austin. We’re now on Ben White Boulevard, just west of South First. I miss downtown, but I like the easy drive and free open parking. You should come see us some time. You don’t have to come here to see us. One goodContinue reading “We moved the office!”
CraveyLaw 